Ramandeep Rattan, PhD

Biographical statement

Dr. Rattan is a senior scientist specializing in gynecologic oncology and lung cancer research. Her laboratory focuses on translational ovarian cancer and lung cancer research. Her research focuses on defining and targeting host-tumor-immune metabolic interactions that regulate tumor progression and antitumor immunity in ovarian and lung cancers.

Research Interests

Immunometabolism and antitumor immune function: The team investigates how metabolic cues regulate the function of both CD8⁺ T cells and tumor associated macrophages within the tumor microenvironment. Their work focuses on how systemic factors such as caloric restriction and ketone bodies enhance T cell effector function and macrophage reprogramming. These studies aim to restore antitumor immunity by targeting metabolic pathways that govern immune cell function.

Myeloid cell metabolism and immune regulation: Dr. Rattan and her team study how immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are shaped by metabolic pathways within the tumor microenvironment. By defining mitochondrial dependent programs that regulate myeloid cell function, they aim to identify strategies to reprogram these cells toward pro-inflammatory, tumor-clearing states and enhance immune-mediated tumor control.

Systemic metabolism and diet: The team examines how systemic metabolic states including caloric restriction, fasting, obesity and aging reshape tumor progression and immune responses. Using preclinical models, they investigate how dietary interventions influence tumor growth and metabolism with the goal of developing metabolism-based strategies that complement existing cancer therapies.

Metabolic drivers of chemoresistance: The team investigates how elevated mitochondrial metabolism, particularly TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation pathways, drive the hyper-immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The goal is to define these mechanisms and identify strategies to selectively target and reprogram MDSCs to restore anti-tumor immunity.

Email: rrattan1@hfhs.org